presidential visits map

Interactive Map Shows the History of Presidential Travel

President Trump’s first foreign trip follows a long line of international visits by heads of state

Brigit Katz

Correspondent

President Trump recently concluded his first foreign tour , during which he traveled to five different countries, met with a bevy of international leaders, and had a meme-worthy encounter with a glowing orb . Counting Trump’s trip, U.S. presidents have made 921 visits to foreign locations since the early 20th century. A new interactive map explores the history of presidential jet-setting, tracking the many diplomatic excursions that have been made across the globe, as Greg Miller reports for National Geographic .

Titled “ The Executive Abroad ,” the map was created by the University of Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab. Using travel records from the Office of the Historian at the U.S. State Department, a group of students compiled data on trips made by U.S. presidents and their secretaries of state. When you toggle through officials’ names, dots pop up across the map, each signifying a foreign visit. The dots are color-coded based on geographic region, and clicking on them reveals the date and reason for the trip.

The chronology of the map beings in 1906 with Theodore Roosevelt, who became the first sitting American president to travel outside the country when he took a trip to view the construction of the Panama Canal . The graph-like outer ring of the map, which shows the frequency of international visits, indicates that foreign trips were rare occasions until after the Second World War. Robert Nelson, director of the Digital Scholarship Lab, tells Miller that the shift can be attributed to two factors: the rise of jet aircraft, which made traveling easier, and America’s growing soft power influence in the wake of WWII.

Rates of presidential travel really took off in the late 1950s, as indicated by peaks on the map’s outer ring. “[T]he map conveys how significantly travel by the executive branch has grown over the past eleven decades,” Nelson says in a press release . “In the first decade of the 20th century, presidents Roosevelt and Taft together made three trips to two places. A century later, George W. Bush and Barack Obama together made more than 300 trips all over the globe.”

The map reveals other trends. Presidents have taken more trips to Asia and Africa in recent years, for instance, while secretaries of state travel to the Middle East more frequently than presidents—possibly, Miller writes, “because presidential visits are more ceremonial, whereas secretaries of state are the ones dispatched to regions where there’s hard diplomatic work to be done.”

With its plethora of multi-colored dots, the map also highlights crucial moments in American political history: Woodrow Wilson’s trip to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, FDR’s 1943 meeting with Stalin and Churchill in Tehran, and other high-stakes visits undertaken by heads of state.

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Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including NYmag.com, Flavorwire and Tina Brown Media's Women in the World.

U.S. presidents have made 16 previous trips to Brussels (peach-colored lines), where President Trump is today.

• ALL OVER THE MAP

New Map Explores the History of Presidential Trips Abroad

From Teddy Roosevelt’s visit to Panama in 1906 to Trump’s trip this week, U.S. presidents have made more than 900 visits to foreign places.

In taking his first trip abroad as president this week, Donald Trump joins a long tradition. Since Teddy Roosevelt went to Panama in 1906 to inspect construction work on the Panama Canal, U.S. presidents have made 921 visits to foreign places, including the nine on Trump’s itinerary. A new interactive map allows you to explore where the presidents—and their secretaries of state—have gone.

One thing that stands out is the dramatic increase in presidential travel after World War II. The obvious explanation is the advent of jet aircraft, which shortened trips and put the entire globe within reach, says Robert Nelson, director of the Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond, which created the map. But the shift also reflects America’s growing global influence and use of soft power—diplomacy rather than military might—in the latter half of the 20th century, Nelson says.

Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, who succeeded him, made a combined total of three trips to two places: Panama and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, just across the border from El Paso, Texas. In contrast, George W. Bush and Barack Obama visited 309 places on six continents (Bush traveled slightly more—168 places to Obama’s 141).

“The first really big presidential trip is Woodrow Wilson’s trip abroad to attend the Paris Peace Conference at the end of the First World War,” Nelson says. Wilson was gone more than six months. “He was traveling by boat, so it was a huge time commitment.”

A few other presidential milestones:

• First trip to Africa: Franklin Delano Roosevelt attended a conference in Casablanca, Morocco, in January 1943
• First trip to Asia: Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited Tehran, Iran, in November 1943 to meet with Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
• Most traveled president: Bill Clinton visited 195 foreign places
• Least traveled president: Calvin Coolidge took zero trips abroad

Data for the map—drawn from travel records kept by the Office of the Historian at the U.S. State Department—were compiled by University of Richmond students in a class taught by Nelson’s colleague Tim Barney.

Nelson decided to put Washington, D.C., at the center of the map to highlight the distances to different destinations. Colors correspond to geographic regions on the map and on the ring around it, which indicates the total number of trips within a given time period. The colors around the ring show, for example, that while Latin America and Europe dominated presidential itineraries early in the 20th century, travel to Asia and Africa has increased in recent decades.

U.S. secretaries of state (right) appear to make more trips than presidents to the Middle East (represented by purple in the rings around both maps).

The colored rings also suggest that secretaries of state have spent more time in the Middle East than presidents have (see above). Perhaps, Nelson suggests, that’s because presidential visits are more ceremonial, whereas secretaries of state are the ones dispatched to regions where there’s hard diplomatic work to be done.

A hill rising up from the ring means a lot of trips—and many of these appear to coincide with international crises, such as a flurry of trips to the Middle East by Secretary of State George Shultz in the mid-1980s, during an escalation of the conflict in Lebanon.

Trump’s trip follows a tumultuous couple of weeks for his administration at home, and there is a tradition for that as well. Ronald Reagan took a nine-day break from the Iran-Contra scandal with a trip to Europe in 1987. And President Clinton visited Russia and Northern Ireland in 1998, after testifying to the grand jury investigating his dalliance with Monica Lewinsky.

Each trip, whether it advances the interests of the nation or merely provides a respite for a beleaguered leader, adds another dot to the map.

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• Department History
• Presidential and Secretaries Travels Abroad

Travels Abroad of the President

By president.

• Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)
• William Howard Taft (1909–1913)
• Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)
• Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)
• Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)
• Herbert C. Hoover (1929–1933)
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)
• Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)
• Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)
• John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)
• Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)
• Richard M. Nixon (1969–1974)
• Gerald R. Ford (1974–1977)
• Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)
• Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)
• George H.W. Bush (1989–1993)
• William J. Clinton (1993–2001)
• George W. Bush (2001–2009)
• Barack Obama (2009–2017)
• Donald J. Trump (2017–2021)

By Destination

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brunei Darussalam
• China, People’s Republic of
• Czech Republic
• Czechoslovakia
• El Salvador
• Germany, Federal Republic of
• Korea, Republic of
• Korea, South
• Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Palestinian Authority
• Philippines
• Republic of China
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia-Montenegro (Kosovo)
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)
• United Kingdom (Wales)
• Vatican City
• Yugoslavia (Kosovo)

OpenSFHistory Top Ten: Presidential Visits

From the time that California joined the Union through the 1910 census, San Francisco was the largest and most prominent city on the west coast. Even though Los Angeles grew larger by the 1920 census, San Francisco was still an economic and cultural power to which politicians frequently paid homage to. Naturally, U.S. presidents frequently made the trip from Washington, D.C. to court the local power brokers and seek votes and influence. Our OpenSFHistory collection contains numerous images from these visits and here are ten of our favorites.  

Rutherford B. Hayes was the first sitting president to make the trip to San Francisco in 1880. We unfortunately have no images from that visit. However, eleven years later, President Benjamin Harrison would visit as part of a long transcontinental train trip. He arrived in San Francisco on the evening of April 25, 1891 and spent the next week plus in the Bay Area before departing up the Pacific Coast. On April 27, 1891, Adolph Sutro hosted a luncheon for the President and his party. Chicken and duck were the main entrees and the lunch also featured oysters, artichokes, asparagus, and many different wines, champagne, and cognac.  

A decade later, President William McKinley made another cross-country railroad trip, arriving in San Francisco on May 12, 1901. Unfortunately, his wife fell ill on the trip up the coast and McKinley’s itinerary was postponed after his arrival as he sat bedside with her until she improved. Events were rescheduled for May 19th through the 24th. On May 23, 1901, the President visited the Presidio for the dedication of General Hospital, which would later be renamed Letterman Hospital. The presidential party left on May 25, 1901 to return to Washington, D.C.  

Shortly after his visit to San Francisco, President McKinley was assassinated and Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency. Exactly two years after McKinley’s visit, now President Roosevelt arrived in San Francisco for a visit. During his visit, he attended a banquet in his honor at the Cliff House on May 13, 1903. The next day, the President gave a speech in Union Square to dedicate the Navy Monument, which honored the Navy’s victory in Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. Late that night, he took a boat to Oakland on his way to Yosemite.  

Eight years later, Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft, traveled to San Francisco to break ground for the Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE). Taft, as Secretary of War under Roosevelt, had overseen the Panama Canal project. The PPIE was designed to celebrate the coming completion of the Panama Canal, so Taft naturally was interested. He arrived on October 13, 1911 and went to the Polo Fields in Golden Gate Park the next day for the ceremonial groundbreaking for the PPIE. The specific location for the PPIE had not yet then been chosen, but the Park was a possible location, so the Polo Fields hosted the ceremony. The Marina District area was later chosen at the location for the PPIE. President Taft had lunch at the Cliff House on October 15, 1911, then departed later that day.  

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson came to San Francisco as part of a nationwide trip to promote the idea of a League of Nations. He arrived in San Francisco on September 17, 1919 and took part in a procession down Market Street, which was lined with spectators, to the Civic Center Plaza, where 60,000 school children greeted him. President Wilson ascended onto a reviewing stand there to acknowledge the crowd, but soon left for the St. Francis Hotel where he and his wife were staying. He gave speeches at the Palace Hotel and Civic Auditorium before leaving on September 18, 1919. Unfortunately, this West Coast trip resulted in health issues and was cut short. Wilson would suffer a severe stroke soon after returning to Washington D.C.  

Warren Harding followed Wilson in the presidency and notably died from an illness at the Palace Hotel on August 2, 1923 while visiting San Francisco. He did not engage in any public events while here because of his illness, so we have no images of him from the visit. After Calvin Coolidge’s presidency though, a “local man” became president. Herbert Hoover had graduated from Stanford in 1895 and later became a member of Stanford’s Board of Trustees. When he received the Republican nomination for president in 1928, he accepted it with a speech at Stanford Stadium. Seeking re-election in 1932, he returned to California to cast his vote. Upon his arrival on election day, November 8, 1932, President Hoover was warmly greeted with a reception at the Civic Center. Due to the Great Depression, however, he was soundly defeated.  

It was six years into Franklin Roosevelt’s 12 years as president before he first visited San Francisco while serving. He arrived on July 14, 1938 and drove across both the then still new bridges spanning the Golden Gate and the Bay. Roosevelt stopped on Treasure Island, where the Golden Gate International Exhibition was being readied and was feted by 1000 people at a luncheon. The president delivered a speech and left for Oakland after lunch to inspect the Pacific Naval fleet while aboard the U.S.S. Houston. Then, like his cousin Teddy many years before, he left the area to visit Yosemite.  

Harry Truman made several visits to the City during his presidency, first in 1945 at the closing of the convention that created the United Nations. He returned in 1948 during his re-election campaign, during which he delivered a Flag Day address at the Golden Gate Park bandshell before 30,000 people. Truman stated his desire that the U.N. become a powerful force for justice in the world. He would return again during the 1952 election campaign to stump for Democrat candidates.  

The 1956 Republican convention was held in San Francisco at the Cow Palace. There was never a doubt that the very popular President Dwight D. Eisenhower would be renominated. When Eisenhower came to the Cow Palace to accept the nomination, crowds lined Geneva Avenue to greet him. The President won re-election and returned in 1958 to speak with 24 ladies of the California Federation of Republican Women at the Civic Center, an event that was televised throughout the western United States.  

President John F. Kennedy campaigned in San Francisco before his election in 1960, but never visited the City while in office. After his assassination in 1963, his successor, Lyndon Baines Johnson, made the trip twice during the 1964 election campaign. The first time was on June 19, 1964, where he dedicated the new Federal Building. He also did some glad-handing with the crowds on Market Street. Four months later, Johnson arrived on Columbus Day, October 11,1964, soon after the parade was over. A large crowd remained at Washington Square to hear him speak. After the speech, President Johnson left town to do more politicking.

President Franklin Roosevelt was the first American president to travel by airplane while in office. As late as President Truman’s visits, presidential campaign trips were still largely “whistle-stop” train travels. Later presidential trips, both campaign and official visits were largely by airplane travel. As flying entered the jet age, presidential visits to San Francisco became more frequent. Every president since Johnson made the trip to Baghdad by the Bay with the notable exception of George W. Bush. Gerald Ford’s trip in September 1975 was marred by Sara Jane Moore’s attempted assassination of him outside the St. Francis hotel. San Francisco is no longer the largest city on the West Coast, but it remains an important financial and political power that demands that presidents come for regular visits.  

Field Trip Guide: Presidential Birthplaces, Houses, and Libraries

When planning a weekend adventure or a summer vacation, you can connect your kids with American history by visiting a presidential site. More than twenty states boast presidential birthplaces, historic homes, libraries, museums, and tombs.

Click any state to find a list of presidential destinations there. In states that include sites for more than one president, the sites are listed alphabetically by the presidents’ names. To find historic sites and legacy information listed by president, visit the “ Presidential Fact Files ” or use your browser’s search function to search this list for sites associated with a particular president.

The Clinton Center and Birthplace Hope, Arkansas nps.gov/wicl

Built in 1917 this wood-frame house was William J. Clinton’s first home. After the death of his father three months before his birth in 1946, Clinton lived with his maternal grandparents until his mother’s remarriage in 1950.

William J. Clinton Presidential Center Little Rock, Arkansas ClintonFoundation.org/clinton-presidential-center

Housing the most comprehensive digital archive of presidential materials to date, the Clinton Presidential Center site includes the Presidential Library and Museum and the renovated Choctaw Station, built in 1899, home of the Clinton School of Public Service.

Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace Yorba Linda, California NixonLibrary.gov

The twenty-two galleries of the museum memorialize Richard Nixon’s political career. Interactive video and touchscreen technology present the highlights and timeline of important events of his presidency, including the Watergate scandal. On the grounds are the gravesites of Mr. and Mrs. Nixon, which are surrounded by a beautiful English country garden, and the restored 1912 farmhouse where Nixon was born.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum Simi Valley, California ReaganLibrary.gov

Housing a comprehensive collection of Ronald Reagan’s papers, photographs, video, audiotapes, and other film archives and related artifacts, the library also features temporary and permanent exhibits such as an exact replica of the Oval Office.

Harry S Truman Little White House Museum Key West, Florida TrumanLittleWhiteHouse.com

President Truman frequently vacationed at this house where there are now two permanent exhibits featuring the “Harry Truman Story” and “The Florida Keys: Where Presidents Vacation.”

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum Atlanta, Georgia JimmyCarterLibrary.gov

The Jimmy Carter Library is a research facility and museum. Also on the grounds is the Carter Center, a non-governmental organization founded to improve life for people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Plains, Georgia nps.gov/jica

Featured prominently in this collection of sites are the highlights of Plains, Georgia, where President Carter grew up—Plains High School, the Carter Boyhood Home, Plains Train Depot (the site of Carter’s campaign headquarters), and the current Carter residence, which is not open to the public.

FDR’s Little White House Historic Site Warm Springs, Georgia nps.gov

The waters at Warm Springs provided relief to President Roosevelt’s health conditions, and he later died here in 1945 after suffering a fatal stroke. In addition to the house, which has been preserved as FDR left it, visitors can also see the Memorial Fountain, the Walk of the States, a new FDR Memorial Museum, a new film narrated by Walter Cronkite, two of Roosevelt’s classic cars, and the original bump gate that opened with an automobile bumper. The Historic Therapy Pools and Springs Complex are also open to visitors.

Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson Augusta, Georgia WilsonBoyhoodHome.org

One of two boyhood homes of President Wilson open to the public, this former Presbyterian manse shares the site with the boyhood home of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph R. Lamar.

Ulysses S. Grant Home Galena, Illinois GrantHome.com

This home was presented to the Grant family after the general’s impressive Civil War service and remained in the family until 1880. It has been faithfully restored with many original Grant family furnishings.

Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site Springfield, Illinois nps.gov/liho

Carefully restored to its 1860 appearance, the only home owned by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln is the centerpiece of a four-block historic neighborhood where they lived until his election to the presidency.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Springfield, Illinois LincolnLibraryandMuseum.com

Showcasing the 46,000-item collection of Lincoln memorabilia owned by the State of Illinois, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum also houses the Illinois State Historical Library.

The Lincoln College Collection Lincoln, Illinois Museum.LincolnCollege.edu

Many personal items are included in the documents, artifacts, and memorabilia in this collection willed to the college by Judge Stringer. Many later acquisitions have created a treasure for history buffs.

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site Petersburg, Illinois LincolnsNewSalem.com

Although most of the buildings are reconstructions of the homes, stores, school, mill, and tavern that were part of Lincoln’s early adulthood, this 650-acre village gives visitors a real feeling of life in 1830’s Illinois. While he lived in New Salem, Lincoln clerked in the stores, split rails, served as postmaster and surveyor, and had other odd jobs.

Obama Presidential Center Chicago, Illinois BarackObamaFoundation.org

When completed, the Obama Presidential Center will include a library, museum, and foundation programming on the South Side of Chicago.

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Dixon, Illinois ReaganHome.org

Restored in 1980 to its 1920 appearance, this home was rented by the Reagan family during the president’s childhood and it is the only home mentioned in his autobiography, Where’s the Rest of Me?

Ronald Reagan Birthplace Tampico, Illinois TampicoHistoricalSociety.com/R_Reagan_Birthplace_Museum

Ronald Reagan was born in a second-floor apartment over a bakery. The apartment is open to the public and features furnishings authentic to the 1911 time period, while the adjacent museum features photos and other memorabilia.

Reagan’s birthplace is just one of many stops on the Ronald Reagan Trail , a self-guided driving tour through Illinois.

Ronald Reagan Museum at Eureka College Eureka, Illinois Eureka.edu/reagan/museum

President Reagan earned his college degree from Eureka College, and the campus museum dedicated to him chronologically exhibits approximately 2,000 items featuring his student life through the presidency. Outside the museum is The Ronald Reagan Peace Garden.

Benjamin Harrison Home Indianapolis, Indiana PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

This brick Italianate Victorian home figures prominently in Benjamin Harrison’s presidency. It was here that he learned of his nomination and, over the following weeks, spoke to over 300,000 people who marched to the home. He also learned here of his election to the presidency. The home maintains many of Harrison’s own furnishings and the carriage house features an exhibit about the women’s suffrage movement.

William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland Mansion Vincennes, Indiana GrouselandFoundation.org

This Federal style mansion was the home of William Henry Harrison for eight years in the early 19th century. Authentically furnished with many of Harrison’s own pieces, the house features distinctive curved walls, and a gallery of artifacts and exhibits about our ninth president.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Lincoln City, Indiana nps.gov/libo

This park is the site of Lincoln’s home for fourteen years of his youth and contains a memorial to his beloved mother who died and is buried here. Adjacent to the park is the Lincoln Living Historical Farm, a reconstruction of an 1820’s homestead.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site West Branch, Iowa nps.gov/heho

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site features Hoover’s birthplace cottage and boyhood home, and the Presidential Library and Museum. The small frame schoolhouse where Hoover attended primary grades has been moved to the site—it was also used as a Friends meeting house and was attended by the Hoover family.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum West Branch, Iowa Hoover.nara.gov

Not a library in the traditional sense, this library is a repository for Hoover’s papers and historical materials and is available only to scholars and researchers. The museum is devoted to Hoover’s life of public service.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home Abilene, Kansas Eisenhower.archives.gov

Five buildings—the Family Home, Museum, Library, Place of Meditation, and Visitor Center—comprise the Eisenhower Center. Rich in family history, the Family Home was occupied by the Eisenhower family from 1898 to the death of Eisenhower’s mother in 1946, with the furnishings reflecting the many decades the family lived here. The Museum features temporary exhibits, the First Lady’s Gallery, the Military Gallery, and the Presidential Gallery. The Library houses twenty-two million pages and other materials and is open to researchers. The Place of Meditation is the final resting place of the president and his wife, Mamie.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site Hodgenville, Kentucky nps.gov/abli

The Memorial Building houses a log cabin “symbolic of one in which Lincoln was born” on the site in which it is believed Lincoln was born. The Visitor Center enhances the exhibit with memorabilia of the Lincoln family and is adjacent to the Sinking Spring Farm purchased by Lincoln’s father in 1808.

Abraham Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek Hodgenville, Kentucky nps.gov/abli

The place of Lincoln’s earliest recollection, the log cabin is indicative of one that was home to the Lincoln family during Lincoln’s early youth.

Zachary Taylor Monument and Memorial in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery Louisville, Kentucky cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/zacharytaylor.asp

The Zachary Taylor National Cemetery was established in 1928 by an act of Congress initiated by the Taylor family to have the government take title to the family burial site where President Zachary Taylor was interred. Two donations of land from the state of Kentucky increased the original half-acre Taylor plot to the national cemetery’s present size of 16 acres. Although the Taylor family plot, which includes a tomb and mausoleum, is encompassed within the walled cemetery, it does not belong to the United States. Despite the best efforts of the Taylor family, the Army judge advocate general decided against federal possession. The Taylor family burial ground is, however, cared for and maintained by the National Cemetery Administration.

Massachusetts

Adams National Historical Park Quincy, Massachusetts nps.gov/adam

The Adams National Historical Park features a number of structures, including the birthplaces of John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, and the Old House. The homes feature original furnishings and personal possessions of four generations of the Adams family. Also on the site is the still active United Parish Church which was partially financed by the Adams family and is the burial site of the second and sixth presidents and their first ladies.

The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum in the Forbes Library Northampton, Massachusetts ForbesLibrary.org/calvin-coolidge-presidential-library-and-museum

This library and museum houses all the Coolidge vice-presidential and presidential papers and thousands of pieces of related memorabilia.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum Boston, Massachusetts jfklibrary.org

Established to advance the legacy of Kennedy’s life and career, the museum houses many themed exhibits, extensive documents, and audiovisual and documentary holdings for research and educational purposes.

John F. Kennedy National Historical Site Brookline, Massachusetts nps.gov/jofi

Birthplace of President Kennedy, this home was been restored with many Kennedy family furnishings and household items. Also in the neighborhood are the Naples Road Residence (a private home, not open to the public), St. Aidan’s Catholic Church, and the Dexter School (known as the Edward Devotion School when Kennedy and his brother were students there.)

Gerald R. Ford Museum Grand Rapids, Michigan FordLibraryMuseum.gov

Interactive with up-to-date technology, there are also traditional exhibits, temporary exhibits from the Smithsonian and other sources, which run the spectrum of Ford’s life and career, pop culture of the day and historical facets of other presidencies.

Gerald R. Ford Library Ann Arbor, Michigan FordLibraryMuseum.gov

This presidential library collects and preserves documents and other related media materials relating to the administration of President Ford.

Mississippi

Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University Libraries Mississippi State, Mississippi USGrantLibrary.org

The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library is located in the Congressional and Political Research Center in the Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library. The Grant Presidential Collection consists of some 15,000 linear feet of correspondence, research notes, artifacts, photographs, scrapbooks, and memorabilia and includes information on Grant’s childhood from his birth in 1822, his later military career, Civil War triumphs, tenure as commanding general after the war, presidency, and his post-White House years until his death in 1885. There are also 4,000 published monographs on various aspects of Grant’s life and times. Undergraduate and graduate students and on-campus and visiting scholars may use the collection. Others may request permission from the Presidential Library staff.

Hardscrabble Cabin at Grant’s Farm St. Louis, Missouri nps.gov/ulsg

Built by the president himself, this was home to the Grant family for a very short time. It is located on a 280-acre wildlife preserve owned by the Anheuser-Busch Company. Visitors to the farm can see an extensive wildlife collection as well as the carriage collection of the Busch family.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site St. Louis, Missouri nps.gov/ulsg

Four of the five buildings at the historic site—the main house, stone building, chicken house, and ice house—have been restored to their 1875 appearance while the barn used as the museum is of 1868 vintage. The Grants considered the main house—White Haven—their home.

Harry S Truman National Historic Site Independence, Missouri nps.gov/hstr

This historic site is made up of a number of homes of President Truman and his family. The focal point is the Victorian home at 219 North Delaware Street which was his home from his marriage in 1919 until his death, and was known as the “Summer White House” during his presidency. Walking tours of the neighborhood are available and other homes significant to the president are featured.

Harry S Truman Library & Museum Independence, Missouri TrumanLibrary.org

Truman’s presidential library houses over 15-million pages of documents, papers and books. The extensive audiovisual collection includes photos, film, and audio recordings. The president and his wife, Bess, are buried in the museum’s courtyard.

Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site Lamar, Missouri MoStateParks.com/park/harry-s-truman-birthplace-state-historic-site

The birthplace and early childhood home of President Truman is furnished in the style of a typical home of the late nineteenth century.

New Hampshire

The Pierce Manse, Historic Home of Franklin Pierce Concord, New Hampshire PierceManse.org

Home of New Hampshire’s only president, this Greek Revival house was the home of Franklin Pierce for six years in the mid-nineteenth century. It has been faithfully restored with many furnishings belonging to the family.

Franklin Pierce Homestead Hillsborough, New Hampshire nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/franklin_pierce_homestead

Built by the president’s father, Governor Benjamin Pierce, this home was lived in by Franklin Pierce for thirty years. Elegant in its day, the house features imported wallpapers, hand-stenciled walls, furniture contemporary to its era, and even a ballroom!

Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site Caldwell, New Jersey nj.gov

The president was born in this house while his father was pastor of the nearby First Presbyterian Church. Open to the public, it is furnished faithful to 1837 and features some artifacts dating to the time of Cleveland’s occupancy.

Millard Fillmore House East Aurora, New York nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/millard_fillmore_house

The first home of Millard Fillmore and his first wife was rescued from disrepair, relocated, and renovated by the artist Market Evans Price. Restored to its 1826 appearance, many of the Fillmore’s furnishings were found and returned to the house.

Millard Fillmore Log Cabin at Fillmore Glen State Park Moravia, New York Parks.ny.gov/parks Located in a state park with hiking trails and other activities is a replica of the birthplace of Millard Fillmore.

Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site Wilton, New York GrantCottage.org

While dying from throat cancer, President Grant lived in this cottage outside of Saratoga Springs during the summer of 1885. During this time, he struggled to complete his memoirs so that he could provide for his family after his death.

Grant’s Tomb New York, New York nps.gov/gegr GrantsTomb.org

Overlooking the Hudson River from the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, General Grant National Memorial is the largest tomb in North America. Grant’s Tomb (as it is commonly called) is not only the final resting place of the General, but a memorial to his life and accomplishments.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum Hyde Park, New York fdrlibrary.marist.edu

The first presidential library to be administered by the federal government was conceived and built under President Roosevelt’s direction on the original family estate. The museum contains extensive displays on the lives and public service careers of both Franklin and Eleanor.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site Hyde Park, New York nps.gov/hofr Springwood, the Roosevelt family’s estate, was donated to the American people by President Roosevelt. On the same grounds are the presidential library and Eleanor’s cottage, Val-Kill.

Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site Hyde Park, New York nps.gov/elro

Dedicated to the First Lady, Val-Kill is truly Eleanor Roosevelt’s own. Built on the grounds of the Roosevelt estate, Eleanor spent weekends here during her husband’s presidency and returned to the cottage after his death.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Home of Theodore Roosevelt Oyster Bay, New York nps.gov/sahi

This home of President Teddy Roosevelt from 1886 until his death in 1916 served as the “Summer White House.” Adjacent to the house is the Old Orchard Museum and a visitor center. Furnished as it was during Roosevelt’s lifetime, the emphasis of the exhibits is on the post-presidential period and his many hobbies and interests.

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site New York, New York nps.gov/thrb

The site of Teddy Roosevelt’s birthplace and home for his first fourteen years contains a re-creation with an interesting history. The original New York brownstone was demolished to build a commercial building; then a group of prominent New York citizens purchased the commercial building and tore it down to rebuild Roosevelt’s boyhood home.

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site Kinderhook, New York nps.gov/mava

President Van Buren bought the estate he named Lindenwald in 1839 and lived there until his death in 1862.

North Carolina

Andrew Johnson Birthplace at Mordecai Historic Park Raleigh, North Carolina RaleighNC.gov/parks

The birthplace of Andrew Johnson is a late 18th-century structure which was a kitchen and residence behind the inn where his parents were employed.

James K. Polk Memorial State Historic Site Pineville, North Carolina JameskPolk.net

Located on the birthplace site of President Polk, the attractions commemorate Polk’s presidency and life in North Carolina. The site is part of a parcel of land owned by Polk’s father, Samuel. The buildings are reconstructions and their furnishings are not original to the Polk family but are of the period.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site Mentor, Ohio nps.gov/jaga

Garfield bought this home to accommodate his large family, expanded it to twenty rooms and, after his death, his widow added the Memorial Library wing to house his papers. Nicknamed Lawnfield by the reporters who witnessed Garfield’s “front porch” campaign, the home was recently restored to the 1880-1904 time period and nearly all the artifacts are original to the Garfield family.

James A. Garfield Monument Cleveland, Ohio DeadOhio.com/GarfieldMonument

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the James A. Garfield Monument is the final resting place of the 20th President of the United States. The building combines Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine styles of architecture. Designed by architect George Keller, the Garfield Monument stands 180 feet tall and is constructed of Berea Sandstone. Around the exterior of the balcony are five terra cotta panels by Casper Bubel, with over 110 life-size figures depicting Garfield’s life and death.

Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace Point Pleasant, Ohio OhioHistory.org

A three-room cottage built in 1817, the birthplace of President Grant was restored and furnished with period pieces, some of which belonged to the Grant family. The structure had an interesting history traveling barges and trains on an extensive tour of the country.

Ulysses S. Grant Boyhood Home and Schoolhouse Georgetown, Ohio usgrantboyhoodhome.org

Built in 1823, this was the boyhood home of President Grant. The home is near the tannery Grant’s father built and two schoolhouses that Grant attended as a boy.

Warren G. Harding Home Marion, Ohio HardingHome.org

Restored and furnished with Harding family possessions, this is the home from which Harding launched himself to the White House with his “front porch” campaign.

Warren G. Harding Memorial Marion, Ohio HardingHome.org/harding-memorial

The Harding Memorial is a circular monument of white Georgia marble containing the remains of President and Mrs. Harding. The monument, set in ten acres of landscaped grounds, is similar in appearance to a round Greek temple. The simple Doric features and spacious surroundings combine to create one of the most beautiful presidential memorials outside Washington, D.C.

William Henry Harrison Tomb North Bend, Ohio OhioHistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/william-henry-harrison-tomb

Harrison was laid to rest in this simple family tomb on July 7, 1841 on the summit of Mt. Nebo in North Bend, Ohio. The tomb has 24 vaults containing the bodies of William Henry Harrison; his wife, Betty, who died in 1864; their son, John Scott, father of President Benjamin Harrison; and other members of the family. Several sealed vaults are unmarked. The site provides a wide view of the Ohio River and of the corners of three states—Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Fremont, Ohio rbhayes.org

The first presidential center is located on part of the Hayes family estate and was the retirement home of the President and his wife, Lucy. On the grounds are his Victorian home with original family furnishings, the Hayes Museum and Library, and the burial site of Hayes and his wife.

National McKinley Birthplace Memorial and Museum Niles, Ohio McKinleyBirthplaceMuseum.org

The birthplace memorial monument is constructed of Georgian marble with two lateral wings—one wing houses the public library called the McKinley Memorial Library, and the other wing houses the McKinley Museum and an auditorium. The museum contains artifacts of the life and presidency of William McKinley.

William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum Canton, Ohio McKinleyMuseum.org

Using objects and images from the museum’s vast collection, this gallery contains the largest collection of McKinley artifacts in the world and chronicles the life and career of our 25th president from his birth to his tragic death at the hands of an assassin.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site Cincinnati, Ohio nps.gov/wiho

Restored to its original condition, the Taft house is the birthplace and boyhood home of the only person to serve as President and Chief Justice of the U.S. Adjacent to the house, is the Taft Education Center.

Pennsylvania

James Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park Ft. Loudon, Pennsylvania dcnr.state.pa.us

A stone pyramid marks the site of the cabin where President James Buchanan was born—the cabin itself was moved to the grounds of Mercersburg Academy.

James Buchanan’s Wheatland Lancaster, Pennsylvania LancasterHistory.org/visit/wheatland

Built in 1828, Wheatland was home to James Buchanan from 1848 to his death in 1868. Furnished with Buchanan’s original possessions and furnishings, the home once served as Buchanan’s campaign headquarters and the front porch was the site of his first campaign address.

Eisenhower National Historic Site Gettysburg, Pennsylvania nps.gov/eise

Purchased by the Eisenhowers in 1950, this house was used as a weekend retreat during the presidency and then as their retirement home. Nearly all the furnishings are original and the exhibits chronicle Eisenhower’s life from boyhood in Kansas through the war years and the years in the White House. Still a working farm, the home is adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield.

South Carolina

Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina SouthCarolinaParks.com/andrewjackson

Although Jackson’s exact birthplace is unknown, this state park on land once owned by Jackson’s uncle was created to honor President Jackson. A small museum focuses on Jackson’s boyhood and colonial life in South Carolina.

Woodrow Wilson Family Home Columbia, South Carolina HistoricColumbia.org/woodrow-wilson-family-home

This house was built by the Wilson family but was their home for only a short time. The focal point of the historic exhibits is the bed in which President Wilson was born in 1856.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Nashville, Tennessee thehermitage.com

Andrew Jackson built this beautiful Greek Revival mansion during his second term as president, but lived in a succession of homes on this property from 1804. It has been carefully restored to the period and completely furnished with original pieces and Jackson’s personal possessions.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site Greeneville, Tennessee nps.gov/anjo

Two of Johnson’s homes and other related buildings are open to the public along with a visitor center. Nearby is the cemetery where Johnson and his wife are interred.

Andrew Johnson Museum and Library Greeneville, Tennessee ajmuseum.tusculum.edu

President Andrew Johnson spent most of his adult life in Greeneville and, although never a student at the college, was active on its Board. The museum and library exhibits family and political memorabilia along with Johnson’s personal library.

Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Harrogate, Tennessee Museum.lmunet.edu

Situated on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University, this library and museum was created by a Civil War general who had been requested by Lincoln to “do something for the loyal people of East Tennessee” if either survived the war.

James K. Polk Home and Museum Columbia, Tennessee JamesKPolk.com

The only surviving home of President Polk, this was home to the young Polk after his college graduation until his marriage. Exhibits in the outbuildings feature memorabilia from Polk’s presidential campaign and his years in the White House, in addition to formal gardens and other features.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum College Station, Texas Bush41.org

The Bush library is an academic research institution and is part of the Texas A&M Campus. The museum has extensive exhibits devoted to Bush’s life of public service and his presidency.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas GeorgeWBushLibrary.smu.edu

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum “serves as a resource for the study of the life and career of George W. Bush, while also promoting a better understanding of the Presidency, American history, and important issues of public policy. The Library and Museum accomplishes its mission by preserving and providing access to Presidential records and other donated collections, hosting public programs, creating educational initiatives, preserving artifacts, and producing innovative museum exhibits. ”

Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site Denison, Texas thc.state.tx.us/historic-sites/eisenhower-birthplace-state-historic-site

The birthplace of President Eisenhower, furnished with period furniture, is the centerpiece of this ten-acre park with hiking trails and picnic areas.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library Austin, Texas lbjlibrary.org

The Johnson Library is a research facility with 45 million pages of documents from Johnson’s political career. In addition, there are photos and other media available for research. The museum exhibits a wide range of items related to the life and presidency of LBJ.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site Stonewall, Texas tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson

This historic site features a visitor center, the Behrens Cabin and the living history center, The Sauer-Beckmann Farm.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Johnson City, Texas nps.gov/lyjo

Comprised of the Johnson City District and the LBJ Ranch, the park provides a complete look at Johnson’s life—his birth and childhood, his political life, retirement, and his final resting place.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Dallas, Texas jfk.org

Located on the sixth floor of the former Texas Book Repository, this museum is devoted to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site Fairfield, Vermont HistoricSites.vermont.gov/directory/arthur

A recreation of the childhood home of President Arthur, a pictorial exhibit offers an insight into Arthur’s early life.

Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site Plymouth Notch, Vermont HistoricSites.vermont.gov/directory/coolidge

Set in the Vermont Hills, the town of Plymouth Notch is a historic district featuring a cluster of buildings including the birthplace and early home of President Coolidge, a community dance hall that once served as the summer White House, and other exhibits relating to his life and presidency.

Berkeley Plantation, Birthplace of William Henry Harrison Charles City, Virginia BerkeleyPlantation.com

The birthplace of our ninth president, William Henry Harrison, and his father, Benjamin, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, this house is also the site of the country’s first Thanksgiving.

Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson Charlottesville, Virginia Monticello.org

Filled with new ideas about architecture after years abroad, Jefferson designed this beautiful example of Roman neoclassicism. Filled with Jefferson’s innovations, it is the only house in the U.S. on the United Nation’s World Heritage List of international treasures.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Forest, Virginia PoplarForest.org

Poplar Forest is a beautifully designed Palladian villa that Jefferson intended for his use after his retirement. The original was damaged by fire in 1845; however, it is being carefully restored.

Tuckahoe Plantation, Boyhood Home of Thomas Jefferson Richmond, Virginia TuckahoePlantation.com

The boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson, this plantation is the finest existing example of an early 18th century plantation and the only remaining Randolph home found on its original site. A private home, it is open by appointment only.

James Madison’s Montpelier Montpelier Station, Virginia Montpelier.org

Madison’s lifelong home, the house was built by Madison’s father and significantly enlarged by later owners. Madison is buried on the grounds of the estate.

James Monroe Birthplace Visitors Center Colonial Beach, Virginia MonroeFoundation.org

The James Monroe Birthplace Park and Museum reside at the heart of the mission of the James Monroe Foundation to educate visitors about the life and legacy of James Monroe.  The park provides passive recreation, a boat ramp, and picnic area.

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library Fredericksburg, Virginia JamesMonroeMuseum.umw.edu

The museum is dedicated to the study and presentation of the social, political, and intellectual influences of Monroe and is situated on land that was the sight of Monroe’s law office. The library holds the collection of thousands of historical papers and other items available for research.

James Monroe’s Highland Charlottesville, Virginia Highland.org

Home of President Monroe from 1799 to 1823, the property showcases a variety of furnishings and decorative items from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sherwood Forest Plantation, Home of John Tyler Charles City, Virginia SherwoodForest.org

The longest frame house in America, President Tyler bought this house in 1842 and lived there until his death. It has been continually owned by the Tyler family, but is open to the public.

George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore Fredericksburg, Virginia Kenmore.org

The childhood home of our first president, Washington inherited the property upon the death of his father. It is the site of the famous cherry tree legend.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mount Vernon, Virginia MountVernon.org

Washington’s home for 45 years, he inherited the estate and enlarged both the house and the acreage over the years. The house and outbuildings have been restored to their appearance in 1799, the year Washington died. His tomb is also on the property.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument Washington’s Birthplace, Virginia nps.gov/gewa

At this birthplace and earliest childhood home of Washington, the visitor can experience the recreation of an 18th century colonial plantation. It is decorated with period furniture, including a table thought to be original to the Washington family. Also on site is a cemetery where many of Washington’s family lie interred.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum Staunton, Virginia WoodrowWilson.org

President Wilson was born in 1856 in this house that was formerly a Presbyterian manse,. The museum features exhibits on Wilson’s life and career and there is a research library on site.

Washington, D. C.

The Stephen Decatur House Museum Washington, D.C. https:WhiteHouseHistory.org/the-historic-decatur-house

A significant example of early-American original architecture, this house has been the home of many of America’s leaders, including Martin Van Buren.

Ford’s Theater National Historic Site Washington, D.C. Fords.org

The site of the first presidential assassination, Ford’s Theatre is still a working theater. In addition, the Petersen Boarding House across the street, the site of Lincoln’s death, is open for visitors.

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home Armed Forces Retirement Home Campus Washington, D.C. LincolnCottage.org

Located on a picturesque hilltop in Washington, D.C., President Lincoln’s Cottage is the most significant historic site directly associated with Lincoln’s presidency aside from the White House. During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided here from June to November of 1862, 1863, and 1864.

Woodrow Wilson House Washington, D.C. WoodrowWilsonHouse.org

The only presidential museum in Washington D.C., this is the retirement home and final home of President Wilson. Remodeled by the president and his wife, the interior has been carefully preserved with authentic furnishings—an excellent example of American life in the 1920s.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Welshpool, New Brunswick, Canada fdr.net

Campobello was the family retreat of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The park features many natural resources and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing.

©2016 The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance

The Presidential Milestone of Visiting All 50 States

A look at the historical significance of presidential visits to all 50 states..

Visiting all 50 states as the President of the United States is a milestone that only a few commanders-in-chief have achieved. It is a feat that requires extensive planning, travel, and dedication to the American people. President Joe Biden is the latest president to embark on this journey, as he plans to visit tornado-battered Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on Friday. But who was the first president to visit all 50 states before him?

The first president to visit all 50 states was Richard Nixon, who accomplished this feat in 1974. Nixon traveled to Alaska, which had just become the 49th state in 1959, to complete his mission. Nixon's visit to all 50 states was a way to connect with the American people and to show his commitment to the country.

Since Nixon's historic visit, several other presidents have followed in his footsteps. President Obama was the most recent president to visit all 50 states, accomplishing this feat during his presidency. Obama's visit to South Dakota on a Friday allowed him to cross off the last state on his bucket list.

The significance of visiting all 50 states goes beyond just a personal accomplishment for the president. It is a way to connect with the American people and to show that the president cares about all states, regardless of their political affiliation or size. Presidential visits to all 50 states can also have a positive impact on local economies, as they often bring attention and tourism to the area.

Presidential visits to all 50 states have also been historically significant. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan became the first president to visit China while in office, which was a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush visited all 50 states to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the White House.

Presidential visits to all 50 states are not without controversy, however. Some critics argue that these visits are a waste of taxpayer money, as they require extensive planning and travel. Others argue that presidential visits to certain states can be seen as politically motivated, as they often occur during election years.

Despite the controversy, presidential visits to all 50 states remain an important part of American history. They serve as a reminder of the commitment that presidents have to the American people, and they highlight the unique beauty and diversity of each state.

Keyword: Presidential visits, 50 states, American people, historical significance, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, controversy, taxpayer money, political motivation, American history

May Interest You

Presidential Places by State

• Select a state shown below for a list of landmarks, libraries, museums, birthplaces, gravesites, statues, monuments, memorials, presidential homes, and other historical sites related to the Presidents located in that state.

Miles with McConkey

What Are the Most Fascinating Presidential Sites To Visit?

Posted: February 6, 2024 | Last updated: February 6, 2024

Presidents Day is almost here. Sadly, our enthusiasm for red hearts and green beer often overshadows the holiday honoring our former leaders. For those who love history or politics, it is an excellent time to plan a trip to a presidential site.

America has many presidential places, including monuments, memorials, homes, and libraries. We will outline some of the top patriotic places to visit. Some honor more recent presidents, while others focus on our early history. Regardless of your political allegiance, these vacation destinations offer many opportunities to explore our rich history and have fun adventures.

First, here is a brief background of how the celebration has evolved.

What is the History of Presidents Day?

According to the National Archives , Congress declared February 22, George Washington's birthday, a federal holiday in 1885. The Uniform Holiday Law 1971, which aimed to give workers more three-day weekends, changed the observation date to the third Monday of February. 

Because the holiday regularly occurred between the birthdays of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, people began to refer to it as Presidents Day. Today, the holiday is considered a time to honor all United States presidents, past and present.

When Is Presidents Day 2024?

The holiday falls on the third Monday in February. This year, we observe the holiday on February 19, 2024.

Let's explore the top presidential sites for you to visit. Remember, while Presidents Day inspires us to honor our leaders and legends, you can see these iconic destinations anytime. 

Mount Rushmore

South Dakota's most popular attraction, Mount Rushmore , showcases the 60-foot-tall faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Walk the Avenue of Flags to the aptly named Grand View Terrace. You gain unique alternative viewpoints by walking the Presidential Trail. 

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center digs into the sculpture's history, functioning as a museum with historical artifacts and photos. Stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony for an inspirational program and to see the memorial illuminated. Beyond the iconic landmark, the Black Hills region harbors beautiful scenery and exotic wildlife, yielding picturesque hikes and scenic drives.

Washington, DC

Our nation's capital abounds with American history and presidential places to visit. The White House immediately springs to mind for most visitors. Other popular sites include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Ford's Theatre.

The good news is that most essential monuments and memorials sit on or near the National Mall. Washington, DC , also comprises many free museums to explore around the National Mall. You can cover nearly all aspects of our nation's history in one area. With a 13-mile drive south, you can visit Mount Vernon, the historic home of George and Martha Washington.

Although the monuments may not be larger-than-life like those at Washington, DC, or Mount Rushmore, Rapid City is called the "City of Presidents" for a reason. The South Dakota town has life-sized statues of nearly all our former presidents scattered throughout its downtown area.

The quest to find all the presidents is especially engaging for children. In between all those selfies, kids will learn a lot about our nation's history. Rapid City comprises many unique shops and eateries to explore along the way. It is a half-hour drive from Mount Rushmore, a perfect way to spend an entire day hanging out with the presidents.

Ohio Presidential Trail

The Buckeye State is home to eight presidents: William Henry Harrison, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft, and Warren G. Harding. Harrison lived in Ohio when elected, while the others were born in the state. Accordingly, Ohio is affectionately called the "Birthplace of Presidents" or the "Mother of Presidents." 

Visitors can explore Ohio's history by road trip along the Ohio Presidential Trail. Sites honor each president with ties to the state. Be sure to visit the First Ladies' National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio, where you can explore the legacy of our first ladies.

Springfield, Illinois

The "Land of Lincoln" comprises many historic sites honoring one of our most famous presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can tour the first and only home Lincoln owned, his tomb, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Take a selfie with the 30-foot tall rail splitter statue, portraying a young ax-wielding Lincoln without his trademark beard. Travelers will find plenty of fascinating Route 66 history to explore as well.

Considered an architectural masterpiece, Monticello, or "Little Mountain" in Charlottesville, Virginia, was the home of Thomas Jefferson, our third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. It is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Visitors can tour the house, gardens, and grounds or walk the Saunders-Monticello Trail with stunning views of forests and mountains.

The famous Massachusetts city abounds with American history, including popular stops along the iconic Freedom Trail like Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere House, and Old North Church.

For presidential history, visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Highlights include a recreation of the Oval Office during Kennedy's presidency and exhibits on the United States Space Program. Other unique exhibits feature artifacts from Kennedy's campaign and memorabilia from First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.

The vibrant Georgia city houses the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, where visitors can learn about our longest-living president. Unique artifacts include his Nobel Prize and gifts from foreign heads of state. Visitors can see what a "Day in the Life of a President" is like by monitoring 13-foot-tall screens within a rotunda. You can walk through replicas of Camp David and the Oval Office. An interactive map virtually takes you across the globe to monitor elections, fight diseases, and perform other presidential duties.

Drive 145 miles south to Plains, where you can visit the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Families traveling with children can see the LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta to give the kids a break before heading to Plains.

Simi Valley, California

Forty miles from downtown Los Angeles, Simi Valley harbors the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Air Force One Pavilion takes you aboard the aircraft that flew President Reagan for global diplomacy meetings. Other exhibits cover his early years, ranching days, inauguration, and the assassination attempt on his life.

Visitors can explore his focus on defense while seeing an F-14 Tomcat, M-1 Abrams Tank, and F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. Be sure to visit the Oval Office replica and the popular Berlin Wall exhibit, which contains a section of the fallen wall.

College Station

The eastern Texas city is home to Texas A&M University. That same campus contains the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Guests can see symbols of the presidency, including a large crystal presidential seal and a presidential limo. Be sure to explore family memorabilia that shaped the lives of the President and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Visitors can find out what it feels like to sit behind the president's desk in the "seat of power" and read a speech from the teleprompter in the press room. Other popular exhibits explore the impact of World War II on Bush and his time as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). An entire exhibit highlights Barbara Bush's efforts to promote literacy, volunteerism, and AIDS awareness. 

A Presidential Site in the Making

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is currently under construction in Chicago. Obama's vision is to create a welcoming campus where people from all walks of life can get inspired, find common ground, and take positive action.

The museum will honor the lives and legacy of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Many Americans are anxious to discover what the museum will cover from the historic presidency. So far, we know that the museum will include galleries focusing on stories of change. Its top floor will house a Sky Room with sweeping views of beautiful Lake Michigan on one side and towering downtown skyscrapers on the other. The center is scheduled to open in 2025.

Plan Your Presidential Trip

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or affiliated with any other political party, the United States has many presidential sites where you can learn about our history and honor our presidents. Yes, we absolutely should celebrate love and don green apparel in between. This year, take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday. Plan a trip into the past that inspires a better tomorrow!

Featured image credit: jovannig via Deposit Photos

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Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on February 18, 2024
• Published on February 12, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

Travel Guide to the 22 Presidential Libraries and Museums You Can Visit

How to Visit the 39 Presidential Gravesites in the U.S. – Travel Tips, Details, and Interesting Facts

The Definitive List of Every Presidential Home You Can Visit in the U.S.

Ohio is often referred to as the “Mother of Presidents” because seven presidents were born in the state. Their birthplaces and childhood homes have been preserved, presidential libraries built, and memorials erected at their gravesites. It is the perfect excuse for an epic road trip across northern Ohio.

There are over a dozen presidential sites throughout Ohio – a few around the Cincinnati region and the rest across the state’s northern portion. Beginning in Mentor northeast of Cleveland, this road trip follows a route through small towns, exciting destinations, and interesting places to visit.

Enjoy this mixture of eight presidential sites to visit along with downtown areas, local restaurants and shops, and interesting attractions.

Road Trip Map

How to use this map: Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the Map Legend, then click on any of the legend items to display more information. If you have a Google account, click the star beside the map’s name to save this map to your account, then access the map from your smartphone during your trip.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site

In 1876, James A. Garfield purchased a large house in Mentor, Ohio. When he began running for president four years later, Garfield frequently gave campaign speeches from the covered front porch. Elected as the 20 th President of the United States in 1880, Garfield has the unfortunate distinction of being one of four presidents assassinated while in office.

Today, the home is owned and operated by the National Park Service as the James A. Garfield National Historic Site. Visitors can watch nearly twenty minutes of historical films in the visitor, browse the gift shop, and take a guided tour of the historic home.

James Garfield National Historic Site 8095 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH | 440-255-8722 | https://www.nps.gov/jaga/index.htm

James A. Garfield Monument

When Garfield’s body initially returned to Cleveland, he was interred at Lake View Cemetery in a temporary vault. The Garfield Memorial Committee was formed to select a permanent site for his body and design, fund, and build a proper memorial.

In 1883, the committee selected the highest point in Lake View Cemetery as the memorial site. Architect George Keller opted to abandon the Greek designs typically used for presidential sites and instead drew inspiration from Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque Revival styles. Construction lasted from 1885 until 1890.

READ MORE: The Complete List of Presidential Burial Sites You Can Visit in the U.S. – Travel Tips, Details, and Interesting Facts

Once completed, the enormous memorial included a tower standing 130 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter. The exterior of the memorial features 110 life-size figures depicting key moments from throughout Garfield’s life. The bodies of James and Lucretia Garfield were re-interred in the crypt beneath the memorial.

Visitors to the privately-owned Lake View Cemetery can visit the monument during regular business hours. Parallel parking is available around a circle beside the memorial.

12316 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH | 216-421-2665 | https://lakeviewcemetery.com/visit/points-of-interest/james-a-garfield-memorial

National Park Week 2024

Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.

Destination

Cleveland, oh.

Cleveland isn’t nearly the largest city in the country – it has a population of around 380,000 – but it is the largest city on Lake Erie. Founded in 1796, the city quickly grew to become a major center of transportation and manufacturing. Since then, Cleveland has grown in the often-overlooked Northeast Ohio region as a center of arts and culture.

Almost any overnight stay in Cleveland needs to include a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you’ll explore the largest collection of memorabilia in the world. The Cleveland History Center is a great place to learn about local history, including parts of Ohio’s aviation history and presidential roots. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is one of the best in the country, with nine viewing galleries of local and exotic sea life.

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Spend your evening at the historic West Side Market shopping, dining, and relaxing. Built in 1912, it’s the oldest continuously operated public market in Cleveland. My recommendation for food is the Pierogi Palace, a family-owned business making fresh pierogis from scratch every day, but you can also get some great food at the West Side Market Café .

Cleveland Visitor’s Center 334 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH | 800-321-1001 | www.thisiscleveland.com

Where to Stay in Cleveland

Needless to say, Cleveland is a big city, and there are lots of great places to stay. Here are a few options for the downtown area and a few more affordable options near the airport.

La Quinta is a more affordable option located just off Interstate 71 near the airport. There are a few food options nearby, but it’s just a comfortable hotel away from the downtown congestion. Choose from rooms with one or two beds or the Executive Room with a king bed and a sleeper sofa.

Aloft is a quirky hotel chain with comfortable rooms, great amenities, and just about as close as you’ll get to Lake Erie in Cleveland. It’s located at the edge of downtown beside the Cuyahoga River, so you won’t be walking to many destinations – but it’s also away from the hustle and bustle.

Hampton Inn is another great downtown hotel – a chain that still offers the best free breakfast you’ll find at any hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s within walking distance to attractions like the Browns’ stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Choose from rooms with one or two beds or a suite with two beds and a sleeper sofa.

Four Points by Sheraton , located across the street from La Quinta, is another great option with comfortable rooms at a more affordable price. Take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant and bar.

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

In 1856, Richard Birchard purchased 25 acres of wooded property in Fremont, Ohio, to build a house where he could live his nephew, Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1873, after serving two terms as Ohio’s governor, Hayes moved his family into the home at Spiegel Grove.

Hayes served as the 19 th President of the United States from 1877 until 1881 and then promptly returned to Spiegel Grove. He began a series of expansions on the brick mansion that lasted until he died in 1893. Rutherford and Lucy Hayes were buried at a special memorial on the property.

READ MORE: The Definitive List of Every Presidential Home You Can Visit in the U.S.

In 1916, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center was established at Spiegel Grove. Today, visitors can explore exhibits in a museum, take a guided tour of the house, and visit the memorial where the Hayes are buried.

Spiegel Grove, Fremont, OH | 419-332-2081 | www.rbhayes.org

Fremont, OH

From downtown Fremont, you won’t have to follow the Sandusky River very long to find yourself at Lake Erie. The biggest attraction to visit in Fremont is the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, but there are a few other things to do.

READ MORE: The 27 Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure

West State Street is a four-lane road passing through the middle of downtown as the effective “main street.” Local retail shops and restaurants are located along the road, including AJ’s Heavenly Pizza and Scarpetta’s .

Sandusky County Convention & Visitors Bureau 712 North Street, Fremont, OH | 419-332-4470   | www.sanduskycounty.org

Where to Stay in Fremont

Overnight lodging options are few in Fremont, but the available options are pretty good.

Hampton Inn is my favorite hotel, with a free hot breakfast included with every room. Located near the Ohio Turnpike, it will be an easy place to spend the night. Choose from rooms with one or two beds.

The Holiday Inn Express is located directly behind the Hampton Inn – they share a driveway. Take advantage of the indoor swimming pool for a little relaxation and a free breakfast. Choose from rooms with one or two beds.

Harding Home Presidential Site

In 1890, Warren Harding and his fiancée, Florence, designed a small three-story house on Mount Vernon Avenue in Marion. The next year, they were married at the completed house. They lived a relatively quiet life while Harding served as a state senator and then a U.S. senator.

In 1920, Warren Harding announced his candidacy for president after front runner Theodore Roosevelt’s death. Harding conducted a presidential campaign from the covered front porch of his home in Marion – his speeches over the course of three months were attended by nearly 600,000 people.

Harding died two and a half years into his first term as president. The next year, Florence died. After the passing of the Hardings, their home in Marion was converted into a house museum. Today, the home is part of the Harding Home Presidential Site. After a massive campaign to fund additions to the site, visitors will find a new complex behind the historic home with exhibit spaces.

Harding Home Presidential Site 380 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Marion, OH | 740-387-9630 | www.hardinghome.org

Harding Tomb

Shortly after Warren Harding died in 1923, the Harding Memorial Association was created. They began soliciting donations for a grand memorial to be erected for the president and his wife. After months of work, the association had received nearly $1 million.

The tomb followed the design of Greek temples with a circular, open-air design. Constructed of George white marble, the tomb is 103’ wide and 53’ tall. It was completed in 1927 – the last of the grand presidential tombs.

Visitors to the Harding Tomb will find the bodies of Warren and Florence Harding interred there. There is plenty of parking on either Vernon Heights Boulevard or Delaware Avenue. From either parking lot, it’s a casual five-minute walk on a concrete path to the tomb. The tomb is accessible for visitors during daylight hours.

966-870 Delaware Ave, Marion, OH

Marion was laid out in 1822 and named after General Francis Marion – just like my hometown in Virginia. In the early 1900s, the city became one of the country’s largest industrial sectors for producing large, steam-powered earth moving equipment. Components for building the Panama Canal, Holland Tunnel, and the Crawler used by NASA in Florida were built in Marion.

Begin with a visit to the Wyandot Popcorn Museum – one of the most unique museums in the state – to learn about the company’s history and the popcorn industry. Located in the same building as the Marion County Historical Society , you can also explore a large museum dedicated to the county’s history.

Main Street is often busy with traffic, but it’s also a great place to find local retail shops and food. Marion Brewing Company is an excellent place to start with a few samples of their craft beer. For some dessert before dinner, Topped Ice Cream & Sweets is a fantastic place for a loaded sundae. A Taste of Memphis BBQ had a fantastic menu selection, while Main Squeeze was a great place to grab a quick lunch.

Marion Convention & Visitors Bureau 1713 Mount Gilead Road, Marion, OH | 740-389-9770 | www.visitmarionohio.com

Where to Stay in Marion

All of the hotels in Marion are located along U.S. Highway 23 – practically an interstate highway through northern Ohio.

Country Inn & Suites is a more affordable option without sacrificing comfort or amenities. The indoor swimming pool and comfortable rooms provide all you need for an overnight stay. Choose from rooms with one or two beds or the one-bedroom suite that also includes a sleeper sofa.

The best place to stay is Holiday Inn Express . With an indoor swimming pool and free breakfast, it will be a great place to recharge overnight. Choose from rooms with one or two beds or go with one of their suites that includes a single bed and a sleeper sofa.

Mansfield, OH

Founded in 1808, Mansfield has strived to maintain their midwestern, small town charm – and succeeded wonderfully. The first place everyone should visit is the Ohio State Reformatory . Built in 1886 as a reformatory for young offenders, the epic castle-like structure never served as a prison – but it played one on TV. The historic structure was abandoned in 1990, and shortly after that was the filming location for the Shawshank Redemption . It’s the one attraction everyone needs to visit in the Buckeye State!

Heading downtown, begin a day exploring Mansfield at the Richland Carousel Park on Main Street. The historic indoor carousel is fun for all ages and a great way to relax downtown. Meander along one block of Main Street and three blocks of West 4 th Street to find boutique retail shops, local restaurants, coffee shops, and beautiful architecture.

The Phoenix Brewing Company is a great place to get a drink before finding something local to eat. City Grill & Bar is a casual place to grab loaded tater tots, amazing burgers, or a basket of wings. Don’t leave town before visiting Coney Island Diner and trying one of their epic hot dogs.

Where to Stay in Mansfield

La Quinta is located about twenty minutes from downtown Mansfield at Interstate 71. The location is close to chain restaurants and a Walmart for those road trip snacks. Choose from rooms with one or two beds or an Executive Suite with a bed and a sleeper sofa.

The Holiday Inn is the only hotel in downtown Mansfield – easily within walking distance of shopping and dining. The comfortable hotel includes an indoor swimming pool and an on-site bar.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is one of the most unusual presidential sites. The site is owned and operated by the Stark County Historic Society. Founded in 1946, the society’s first goal was to construct a presidential library – it was completed in 1963.

During design and construction, the historical society chose to offer more than just a presidential library and museum. McKinley was a fan of science – he was president during a time of great scientific advances – so the society chose to include a science museum and planetarium at the site. Along with a museum about the county’s history and a fascinating walk through a recreated street of historic buildings, the presidential site offers plenty for visitors to do.

800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, OH | 330-455-7043 | https://mckinleymuseum.org

William McKinley National Memorial

On September 19, 1901 – just five days after he was assassinated by an anarchist – McKinley was laid to rest at West Lawn Cemetery in Canton, Ohio. Almost immediately after the services, close friends of his began planning for a grand memorial to house his body.

The McKinley National Memorial Association was formed to raise money for the project, purchase the land, and build the memorial. President Theodore Roosevelt – the vice president under McKinley – named the people to the first board of trustees of the association.

Construction lasted from 1905 until 1907. Built on land purchase from West Lawn Cemetery, the memorial stands on a grassy hill above a nearby river. The dome of the memorial is 50 feet in diameter and 77 feet above the ground. A stunning 12-foot diameter stained glass skylight allows daylight to bathe the memorial in light.

Visitors can see the memorial during regular business hours for the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum – the memorial is owned and operated by the Stark County Historical Society. Interior access is allowed at certain times though not always a guarantee.

First Ladies National Historic Site

From 1841 until 1865, the three-story home at the corner of Market Avenue and 4 th Street SW in downtown Canton was built for the Saxton family. From 1878 until 1891, William and Ida McKinley lived in the house while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The First Ladies National Historic Site’s visitor center is located one block away, occupying two floors in the old City National Bank Building. At that site, visitors can explore a small and unremarkable exhibit space, watch a movie in the small theater, and book a guided tour of the Ida Saxton McKinley House.

First Ladies National Historic Site 205 Market Avenue South, Canton, OH | 330-452-0876 | https://www.nps.gov/fila/index.htm

Canton is most popularly known as the birthplace of American football and home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame . It’s the biggest attraction in town and draws thousands of visitors a year, but it’s not the only thing to see.

Downtown is a vibrant, growing place with local retail shops, restaurants, and beautiful streets to walk and enjoy. Market Street – the location of the Ida Saxton McKinley House – is lined with trees along with the brick-laden street. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is working to build a new outdoor amphitheater at Market and 3 rd Streets where people will watch ballgames and the annual Hall of Fame inductee ceremony.

Canton Brewing Company is not only a great place to get a craft beer – they also make a fantastic brick oven pizza. Lucca Downtown is one of the more upscale restaurants in Canton, while George’s Lounge is a more laid back and casual environment. In between it all, Carpe Diem Coffee Shop will keep you going with a caffeinated drink.

Where to Stay in Canton

With the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a large industrial sector, there is no shortage of hotels in the Canton area. However, most of the hotels are located along Interstate 77 north of downtown – still only minutes away from all the best things to do.

Red Roof Inn offers a more affordable option for lodging in Canton that is still comfortable and highly rated. It’s located on the same end of town as the Hampton Inn, where you’ll find plenty of chain restaurants – if you don’t like local food.

Hampton Inn & Suites is located along Interstate 77, about ten minutes from downtown – and closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The hotel features a fantastic free breakfast and several room options for an overnight stay.

Interestingly, the only downtown Canton hotel is DoubleTree by Hilton . The gorgeous hotel offers an immaculate indoor swimming pool with skylights, conference center space, and comfortable rooms. It’s the hotel business travelers use most often.

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Micronesia president says US beefing up military capabilities in the Pacific country

Wesley Simina says the US is ‘well advanced’ in plans for $400m airport upgrade in Yap, amid rising tensions with China in the region

The US is considering military projects across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as it pushes ahead with plans for a $400m airport upgrade in the country to boost defence capabilities in the Pacific, President Wesley Simina said.

The region is of growing strategic importance to the US amid a battle for influence with China .

FSM has been identified as a key part of the US Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at countering Beijing in the region. An agreement between the US and FSM, known as the Compact of Free Association (Cofa), gives FSM funding and support, while the US gains exclusive defence rights to the Pacific nation.

“The Federated States of Micronesia is open for US consideration for any kind of defense-related activities, including use of our lands and oceans,” Simina said.

The airport upgrade is on the island of Yap, one of four states that form the FSM. Washington’s plans were made public in budget proposals released last month.

Speaking to the Guardian as part of a series of interviews with Pacific leaders, Simina said the US was also looking at the states of Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae for “other kinds of projects”.

“But so far, those are yet to be disclosed,” he said.

Simina said the US was “well advanced into its planning in the use of [the] airport area” on Yap and would also conduct more military exercises from the island.

“We know they want to expand it. They want to install different infrastructure there to help support their military activities in Japan,” he said.

Katherine Koenig, spokesperson for the Joint Region Marianas mission, which manages US military operations in parts of the Pacific, said the proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year includes $400m for the development of Yap’s airport and seaport.

“The project will include an extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft to land and take off in support of training operation and humanitarian mission at the Yap airport,” Koenig said.

If approved by Congress, an initial amount of $96m is proposed to be invested in 2025, she said.

Other US military sites in the Pacific include naval, air force and marine bases in Guam, as well as an army base in the Marshall Islands.

In its budget proposal, the US air force said FSM and Yap were “strategically located” in the western Pacific.

“Development of Yap Airport is essential because there are very few divert or contingency airfields available as potential United States defense sites in the region,” the US air force said.

Michael Walsh, affiliate researcher at the Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies, said the US was seeking to expand airbases in the region to add “complexity” to its operations.

“It is hoped that this increased complexity will make it far more difficult for adversaries to be able to accurately predict the ways the United States military will respond in the event of [any military challenges],” he said, using examples of an attack on the US or in the defence of Taiwan.

Yap, which is about 24km long, will also be part of increased US military exercises in the Pacific region. Training opportunities were discussed during a meeting between Simina and US defence secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington in March.

Austin said they discussed “new opportunities for defence posture cooperation between our two countries”.

Simina said he was working with the US defence and air force departments on the details of the exercises. “As of now, we’re not aware of any specific number of exercises to be done in Yap each year or each month,” Simina said.

In August 2023, the Micronesian government disclosed US air force plans to deploy “air defence assets” to Yap. However, details have not been made public.

“The US will have to notify us [about any defence assets],” Simina said.

The economic provisions of the Cofa agreements were recently renewed , and the FSM is set to receive $140m each year for the next 20 years from the US.

The residents of Yap “have been very receptive and supportive” of the defence developments, Simina said. “Obviously, there might be some concerns here and there, especially on the environmental side. But the US department of Defense is very much aware of that.”

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Scene of Black students and Trump at Chick-fil-A may be more than meets the eye

“I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump. We support you," said Michaelah Montgomery, who hugged Trump during the recent stop in Atlanta.

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After former President Donald Trump greeted some young Black students during a Chick-fil-A visit in Atlanta, Democratic strategists are throwing cold water on any suggestions that the viral moment signals broader support for him among young Black voters. 

“I don’t think that changes the established norm that Donald Trump has an agenda that’s pretty hostile to Black folks overall,” Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist, told theGrio. “It doesn’t mean that every African-American voter will feel that way. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t outlier opinions that exist.”

On Wednesday, Trump dropped in at a Chick-fil-A restaurant near Atlanta’s prominent HBCUs: Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College. The Republican presidential candidate, who faces four criminal charges – including one in Atlanta prosecuted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis – greeted the mostly young, Black customers and workers.

The former president, who purchased milkshakes for the young patrons, was met with smiles and glee, including from Michaelah Montgomery, who told him, “I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you.” Trump then offered to hug Montgomery, who later declared, “Tell my momma I made it!” 

According to her LinkedIn account, Montgomery graduated from Clark Atlanta in 2020 and is the founder of Conserve the Culture, a conservative grassroots group. She appeared to suggest to Fox News on Friday that the students at the Chick-fil-A were part of her organization.

Though the planned Trump visit (the Chick-fil-A chain is owned by one of his golf club members) garnered a lot of social media attention, political experts say it doesn’t change the facts about Trump’s standing with Black voters.

“I don’t want to overblow a minor viral moment inside of a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta and make it seem like … Donald Trump is winning Black people,” said Tolulope Kevin Olasanoye, executive director of the Democratic Party of Georgia. “He didn’t get a lot of Black people in 2020. He didn’t get that many Black people in 2016. He ain’t gonna get that many Black people in 2024.”

Though some polls last year indicated that Trump was gaining upwards of 22% among Black voters in key battleground states, a recent poll conducted by Pew Research Center found that only 12% of Black voters say they support the Republican Party. According to Pew, Trump earned 8% of the Black vote in 2020. 

However, several polls also indicate a decline in Black voter support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, primarily due to their feelings about the economy and the Biden-Harris administration’s foreign policy in support of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. 

“We’ve just got to be talking about this stuff in a real way that gets people to remind themselves about what the real record of the Trump presidency is [and] what the real record of the Biden presidency is,” said Olasanoye. 

Reecie Colbert, a political strategist and host of “The Reecie Colbert Show” on Sirius XM, told theGrio that while she doesn’t “begrudge” the excitement displayed toward Trump by some of the Black students in Atlanta, it may speak to a segment of young Black voters who are being “targeted by disinformation [and] misinformation.”

Some of that misinformation is coming from rap culture, said Colbert, who noted that Montgomery referred to the rapper Lil Baby’s song “4PF.”

“I think her referencing that kind of taps into some of these rappers who have been perpetuating this notion that Trump gave us stimmies [stimulus checks] and gave us money when the actual opposite is true,” she noted. “We saw Black businesses shutter, we saw Black unemployment surge, we saw a lot of Black wealth wiped out.” 

By contrast, said Colbert, during the Biden-Harris administration, which also issued stimulus checks through the American Rescue Plan two months into office, there has been a persistent record low Black unemployment and a significant comeback for small Black businesses . 

She added, “And don’t forget the fact that the child tax credit cut Black child poverty in half for the year that that was in existence.” 

Colbert said despite the numbers, there remains an “appeal” for Trump that perpetuates the “false idea that he was an economic boon for the country and Black people.”

There’s also the celebrity factor of Trump, noted Payne, who was the director of paid Black media for former Sen. Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential election. 

“There is something about fame that kind of washes over people, and that allows folks to either forget or to compartmentalize the other things that are there, and that’s something unique about Trump,” he said. “I think his fame and name brand do have some kind of an outsized impact on their view of him. But I think it would be unfair to characterize that as a quality only to Black voters.”

Payne said Democrats will have to “persuade” young Black voters rather than simply motivating them to “turn out” like in years past. 

“What’s more important to do is continue to put the case in front of large numbers of African-American voters, of young African-American voters, to remind them of the reality of what the Trump presidency was,” he said. “To remind them of things that they may have forgotten.”

“This is a party that stood in the way of young Black voters having student loans forgiven,” Olasanoye said of the Republican Party. “This is a party that doesn’t agree with the younger Black voters on climate justice.”

Trump, he argued, is not running an “issues-based campaign … by any stretch of the imagination.” He added, “I don’t believe what Donald Trump says, I believe what he does, and I think that Black people should do so too.”

Olasanoye said the challenge for Democrats is that “we’re not talking about this in a way that’s resonating with people, and particularly not with Black voters.” He continued, “We’ve got to do it fast because there’s only 207 days left until the most important election of our lifetimes.”

He added, “If we lose that election, it’s because we didn’t tell our own story. We have nobody to blame but ourselves.”

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Live updates: Explosions seen over parts of Jerusalem amid air sirens around Israel

What we know

• Iran launched cruise and ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israel, IDF officials said, a retaliatory attack weeks after an Israeli strike on the Iranian consular building in Syria killed two of Tehran’s top commanders.
• There were explosions visible in the air over Jerusalem as air sirens rang throughout the country.
• The U.S. and Israeli militaries shot down the “vast majority” of the missiles and dozens of attack drones. Some missiles struck a military base in the south, causing minor damage.
• About 31 people were treated for anxiety or injuries they sustained while heading to a protected area when sirens sounded.
• Iran said that after tonight's attack, the "matter can be deemed concluded" unless there is more violence.

U.S. destroyed 'dozens' of missiles and drones launched by Iran

Richie Duchon

Mosheh Gains

The U.S. military shot down "dozens" of missiles and drones en route to Israel, part of an "unprecedented" attack by Iran, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement late Saturday.

The aerial attacks by Iran were launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, he said.

"We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions," Austin said in the statement. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel."

Biden says he will coordinate a 'united diplomatic response' to Iran with G7 leaders

Doha Madani

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the security of Israel.

Military forces followed Biden's direction to help Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles, the president said. He also praised the country's ability to fend off attacks as a sign to others who threaten the security of Israel.

"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack," Biden said. "My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders."

Though no U.S. forces have been attacked, Biden said America will "remain vigilant to all threats." He condemned the Iranian regime's attack tonight in the "strongest possible terms."

U.N. Secretary General condemns Iranian attacks

António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, condemned the Iranian attacks on Israel tonight in a statement expressing concern over the serious escalation in the Middle East.

"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."

Guterres also condemned the April 1 attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus the day after it occurred.

He did not name Israel in that statement, which has not taken responsibility for the strike. Guterres emphasized the protection of diplomatic buildings and urged "all parties to respect all their obligations under international law."

U.N. Security Council to meet tomorrow

Rebecca Cohen

Yasmeen Persaud

The United Nations Security Council will meet Sunday following a request to hold an emergency meeting from Israel’s ambassador to the U.N.

The ambassador, Gilad Erdan, asked the council to condemn Iran's attack on his country and to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization.

"The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran," Erdan said in a post on X, which included the letter.

The meeting will take place at 4. p.m. ET, according to a U.N. schedule released tonight.

Iranian regime exercised 'its inherent right of self-defense' following diplomatic strike, foreign ministry says

The Iranian foreign ministry released a statement tonight reiterating its position that the strikes carried out against Israel were "in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense."

“The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force,” the statement said.

The ministry cited Article 51 of the United Nations charter and said that it was responded to Israeli's "recurring military aggressions," including the strike of Iran's diplomatic building in Syria earlier this mont.

The statement went on to say that its response was a "responsible approach" amid Israel's "apartheid" against Palestinians and "military aggressions" against neighboring states.

U.S. concerned Israel will respond to Iran without thought to potential fallout

Courtney Kube

Carol E. Lee Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Some top U.S. officials are concerned Israel could do something quickly in response to Iran’s attacks without thinking through potential fallout afterward, according to a senior administration official and a senior defense official.

Those concerns stem in part from the administration’s views of the approach Israel has taken to its war against Hamas, as well as the attack in Damascus. 

President Joe Biden has privately expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to drag the U.S. more deeply into a broader conflict, according to three people familiar with his comments. 

The White House believes Israelis are not looking for a wider war or a direct war with Iran, but U.S. officials can’t be certain, the senior administration official said.

U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration with Israel’s decision to strike the Iranian consular building in Syria.

“I don’t think they had a strategy,” the senior administration official said. “The Israelis don’t always make the best strategic decisions.”

Senior leaders at the Pentagon also have privately expressed frustration at the timing of the Damascus strike, according to the senior defense official, because it had the potential to be “catastrophically escalatory.”

Netanyahu and Biden speaking

Yarden Segev

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently talking with President Joe Biden, according to a spokesperson for Netanyahu.

Their conversation follows discussions by the political-security cabinet and the war management cabinet, the spokesperson said.

Netanyahu's office did not disclose what the leaders discussed.

Israeli in Tel Aviv describes fighter jet sonic booms and explosions

Anna Schecter

Barak Herscowitz is hunkering down at home in Tel Aviv listening to what sounds him like a major war.

"The only sounds you hear, in a city where you would usually hear music from a nearby bar, is of fighter jets and explosions- no other sound," Herscowitz said.

Herscowitz, 38, said he is not in his safe room yet, and is feeling grateful for Israel's missile defense technology.

Hercowitz was just 7 years old when the Persian Gulf war broke out.

"I remembered today how we didn’t really have many ways to defend ourselves from both threats of that time: massive conventional missiles with mass destruction potential, and chemical weapons," he said. "This time, we have very strong air defense, almost all of the citizens have shelters in their homes — so for me, the feeling is much safer."

His real fear is for the long term: "This escalation is worrying mostly because it is unclear if Iran is dragging us to a much wider, longer and harder war on all fronts.” 

Hercowitz said he feels Israelis are resilient following more than six months of rocket fire from Iranian proxies.

"Although tonight is filled with an anxiety and I believe that no Israeli will sleep soundly, I’m optimistic we will get through these days in piece and the air defense will continue to work," he said.

Israeli security services say it treated 31 people

Israeli emergency services have been dispatched to treat 31 people who suffered from anxiety or minor injuries after emergency sirens blared throughout the country.

A statement from Magan David Adom noted that the injuries were caused "on their way to the protected area." It said it "continues to be on high alert."

A 7-year-old girl from the Bedouin diaspora was also in serious condition, but the cause of her injury is being investigated by police.

McConnell calls on House to pass national security supplemental amid Iran's barrage

Julie Tsirkin

Carly Roman

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called out the Republican-controlled House's inaction on a Senate-passed aid package for Israel and Ukraine after Iran launched an aerial attack against Israel tonight.

“Congress must also do its part," McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said.

"The national security supplemental that has waited months for action will provide critical resources to Israel and our own military forces in the region. It will provide overdue lethal assistance to Ukraine and equip vulnerable allies and partners in Asia to deter the PRC. And it will make urgent investments in our own defense industrial base," he continued.

McConnell also urged President Joe Biden and Congress to "discharge our fundamental duties without delay." He did not elaborate on which duties he was referencing.

Biden has repeatedly said he will defend Israel against Iran and the U.S. is shooting down some drones flying toward Israel.

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — Israel and Iran have been at odds for decades, but what we're seeing tonight is different. Iran is directly attacking Israel, instead of hiding behind proxies or using another militant group to attack Israel, therefore, inviting Israel to retaliate directly on Iranian territory.

It's important that Iran said that after this attack, it wants the conflict to be over, but to be determined is whether Israel, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agrees with that.

The drone attacks in Israel were the first wave of what Iran has said would be a three-wave attack. The second wave is comprised of more drones and missiles, and the third wave is ballistic missiles, which has the biggest potential to escalate this conflict into a regional war between Iran and Israel.

Many of Iran's strikes appear to be focused in southern Israel, in the Negev Desert area, where drones and missiles appear to have gotten through the air defense system.

Israeli media reported that some of the drones appeared to target the Knesset building in Jerusalem.

Biden's Situation Room meeting concludes

Kelly O'Donnell

Elyse Perlmutter-Gumbiner

President Joe Biden’s meeting with principals of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room has concluded, per a senior administration official. It was roughly two hours long.

200 drones, missiles fired toward Israel: IDF

Over 200 different kinds of missiles and drones — including killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles — have been fired toward Israel in the Iranian attack that launched just hours ago, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

He called the attack a "wide scale escalation" and said the IDF is operating at "full force" to protect the people of Israel.

Hagari said the vast majority of drones and missiles have been intercepted outside of Israel’s borders with the help from Israeli allies. The U.S. said it has intercepted a number of drones.

A number of missiles were dropped inside Israeli territory, causing damage to a military base, Hagari said, adding that there were no reported casualties beside a girl who was hurt. He added, "we hope she will be well."

"We are ready for any threat that will come to Israel, we will do everything we need, everything, to defend the state of Israel," Hagari said.

U.S. politicians weigh in on Iran attack against Israel

After Iran launched hundreds of drones in an attack on Israel, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally."

Johnson, R-La., said Israel is not alone and assured he will work with the White House "to insist on a proper response."

He also called out the Biden administration, placing some blame on it for the attack.

"The Biden administration’s undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments," Johnson said.

Other politicians reiterated Israel's right to defend itself against such an attack and pledged U.S. support.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. commitment to Israel is “unwavering.”

“ This is the moment for the United States to show we stand together with our allies,” the senator said. “Our shared enemies, including Iran and their proxies, need to know our commitment is unwavering.”

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said in a statement to NBC News that “Israel has an inherent right to defend itself against these attacks from Iran and its proxies — before, during, and after they occur.”

Cardin, somewhat opposing Johnson's stance, said he supports President Joe Biden’s “iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security” and thanked his administration for taking what he said were necessary steps in recent days to support Israel as it prepared for an attack from Iran.

He reiterated that “the United States will continue to stand with Israel" and cautioned "Iranian regime leaders to not widen this already ill-conceived attack. Such escalation, especially targeting U.S. personnel and assets, should be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”

Others warned the attack could be far more extensive than it was initially thought to be.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on X , “The attack on #Israel by the regime in Iran is going to be more extensive than initially expected.”

So far, the U.S. has intercepted some drones launched at Israel and is working to do the same for incoming missiles.

Trump sounds off on Iran attack

Former President Donald Trump sounded off on the Iran attack on Israel at a rally in Pennsylvania tonight.

He told the crowd the attack was a product of American weakness.

"That's because we show great weakness," he told the crowd at the Schnecksville Fire Company fairgrounds. "This would not happen. The weakness that we've shown, it's unbelievable and it would not have happened if we were in office."

Trump added that "America prays for Israel" as Iranian missiles were fired toward the country.

Later on, members of the crowd could be heard chanting, "Genocide Joe! Genocide Joe!" to which Trump responded, "They're not wrong."

President Joe Biden has repeatedly said he will defend Israel against Iran and the U.S. is shooting down some drones flying toward Israel.

But his defense of the Jewish State has attracted criticism from some corners of his party, even pointing out on one occasion that some protesters who were chanting that he was “complicit in genocide” in Gaza "have a point.”

Rockets and flares burst across sky above Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — Israel's air defense systems appeared to be fully engaged in the early morning hours here. The dark skies above the Old City of Jerusalem intermittently lit up with orange flares as Israeli rockets appeared to be taking out incoming Iranian drones.

U.K. moves resources to Middle East to ‘encourage de-escalation’ of attacks

Andrew Jones

The U.K. is moving Royal Air Force jets and air refueling tankers to the Middle East "to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The statement said the jets from the U.K. will intercept airborne attacks near existing missions by the country.

"We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation," the ministry statement said.

Biden meets with national security team

President Joe Biden said in a post on X this evening that he met with his national security team to discuss Iran's attack against Israel.

Biden cut short a trip to Delaware to return to the White House today.

Rocket fire streaks across sky as air-raid sirens blare in Jerusalem

Daniel Arkin

JERUSALEM — The dark sky above the Old City of Jerusalem lit up tonight with orange flashes of rocket fire as air-raid sirens rung out across the city.

The bursts of rocket fire resembled shooting stars and appeared to come from Israel's sophisticated air defense system, not the Iranian drone attacks.

Iran fired missiles at Israel, U.S. official says

A U.S. official confirmed that Iran fired missiles at Israel and that the U.S. military is trying to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones bound for Israel.

The U.S. has shot down several Iranian drones but does not have confirmation that it has successfully shot down missiles. 

House schedule to change next week in light of Iran's attack on Israel

The House's schedule will change for next week, said Rep. Steve Scalise, the House Republican majority leader, and it will refocus on considering legislation to support Israel and hold Iran accountable.

"In light of Iran’s unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable," Scalise said.

As Iran launches a retaliatory attack against Israel, former NBC News Tel Aviv bureau chief Martin Fletcher reports on how the Israeli air defense systems are prepared to stop certain attacks, but explains why the ballistic missiles may still break through.

Iran says attack in response to 'Zionist regime’s aggression' has concluded

Iran said it conducted a military attack on Israel "in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus," and that "the matter can be deemed concluded."

The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the U.N. said in a post on X that if Israel makes "another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," and that the matter is between Iran and Israel, and that the U.S. should stay out of it.

It said the attack was "legitimate defense" in response to the suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consular building in Syria and was "conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter."

The drones, launched hours ago, are beginning to arrive in Israel.

Sirens sound throughout Israel

Raf Sanchez

Yael Factor

TEL AVIV, Israel — Sirens have sounded across Israel — in southern and northern Israel, and the areas of Shomron, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, the IDF confirmed.

The sirens all sounded in the span of about three minutes.

Residents of the northern Golan Heights, as well as the areas of Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat, have been told by the Israel Defense Forces they are required to stay near protective spaces until further notice.

The IDF said residents are required to enter a protected space when sirens are activated. If there is no protected space, residents must find the most protected area possible and wait 10 minutes, it said.

U.S. military has shot down Iranian drones

The U.S. military has shot down some Iranian drones tonight, according to U.S. officials.

The military intends to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles when they come into range of U.S. assets in Iraq, Syria and at sea.

The U.S. has beefed up its air defenses in recent months since the attack on Tower 22 and has repositioned assets in the region to be ready for this Iranian attack.

NYPD says no credible threats to city

Matt Johnson

Iranian attack is 'severe and dangerous escalation': IDF spokesperson

Jay Marques

Iran launching drones toward Israel "is a severe and dangerous escalation," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in an English video announcement.

Hagari said the IDF is "closely monitoring Iranian killer drones that are en route to Israel sent by Iran."

"Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran," Hagari continued. "Together with our partners, the Israel Defense Forces is operating at full-force to defend the state of Israel and the people of Israel."

He said, "This is a mission that we are determined and ready to fulfill."

Biden to meet Iraq's prime minister on Monday

Dennis Romero

President Biden is expected to meet with Iraq's prime minister, Mohammed Shia al Sudani, on Monday in Washington in a face-to-face discussion that has been on the president's schedule for weeks.

Their topic of discussion pertains the scope of U.S.-Iraq relations, including military presence and trade.

According to the D.C.-based military think tank Institute for the Study of War , the Islamic Resistance in Iraq could resume attacks after a monthslong pause.

The militia, including other Iran-backed groups, want the United States to leave Iraq, and the meeting could produce a crucial moment during which anti-Western forces decide whether the goal of U.S. troop withdrawal has any traction, the institute said in a critical threats update on Friday.

The think tank cites remarks by Qais Khazali, secretary general of an Iran-backed militant group, Asaib Ahl al Haq, who is said to have warned of renewed attacks if the Biden meeting doesn't result in a U.S. troop withdrawal.

Those attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq were paused in February amid talks between Washington and Baghdad on the size and shape of the United States' presence in Iraq. The wider array of Iran-backed militias in the region, the Iran-named "Axis of Resistance," rejects any plan that includes a U.S. military presence in Iraq.

At the same time, Iraq's Al Sudani has proposed deeper economic, agricultural, industrial, technological and energy ties to the United States.

A group of GOP lawmakers is decrying the Biden-Al Sudani meeting, saying in a letter last month it represents "appeasement of Iran," given the country's influence in Iraq.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said the U.S. stands with Israel

"As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a post on X .

Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S.

He recently called for new elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu convening war Cabinet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening the war management Cabinet in Kirya in Tel Aviv, his office said.

Earlier today, before Iran launched hundreds of drones toward Israel, Netanyahu said the country has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran in recent years and weeks.

"Our defense systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack," Netanyahu said. "The state of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong."

He said he appreciated the U.S. "standing by Israel's side," as well as Great Britain, France and "many other countries."

"I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we hurt him. We will protect ourselves from any threat and we will do so with coolness and determination," Netanyahu said. "Together we will stand, and with God’s help — together we will overcome all our enemies."

Biden back at the White House

Caroline Kenny

President Joe Biden arrived at the White House and was headed into the Oval Office at approximately 5:04 p.m. ET.

He is to meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the Situation Room, the White House said.

Biden cut short a trip in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he was expected to spend the weekend.

X users circulate misleading videos amid Iran attack on Israel

Janhvi Bhojwani

When news broke that Iran had launched a retaliatory attack on Israel, some users on the social media platform X uploaded misleading videos, including footage from previous drone attacks or imagery from video games.

In one, an X user posted a video from six months ago showing Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepting Hamas rockets in Ashkelon. In another post flagged by a reporter for the BBC, an X user falsely suggested that imagery from the video game “Arma 3” was video from today’s drone attacks.

Iran launches attack on Israel that risks sparking regional war

Dan De Luce

Aurora Almendral Aurora Almendral is a London-based editor with NBC News Digital.

Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel on Saturday that risks sparking a regional conflict that could draw in U.S. military forces. The attack marked the first time that Iran has launched a direct military attack on the Jewish state. 

Israeli military officials said the attack began with more than 100 Iranian drones heading toward Israel. It will take hours before the drones arrive, and Israeli officials said they hope to intercept them.

A senior Biden administration official warned that the assault could also involve dozens of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. 

The official said the administration expects Israeli government facilities to be targeted but not civilian or religious sites. U.S. assets in the region are also not expected to be targeted, the official said.  

The U.S. and Israel have been closely coordinating how to defend against the attack, the official said. “We’re ready. The Israelis are ready.”

Read the full story here.

Israel has 'tens of aircraft' in Israel airspace: IDF

The Israeli Defense Forces have "tens of aircraft" in Israeli skies at the moment, an IDF official said at a briefing following Iran's launching of drones toward Israel.

The IDF confirmed the launching of drones but said it cannot confirm that Iran has launched any missiles. The official said the IDF cannot confirm the type or the payload of drones launched.

The official also said they cannot confirm if there have been any interceptions yet or what Iran is targeting in Israel.

The IDF is operating on "a pre-prepared action plan," the official said, adding that the idea is to intercept the drones before they reach Israel but that they will intercept the drones over Israel if necessary.

Congressional intelligence committees received classified info on Iran's plans

Members of the House and Senate intelligence committees had classified information made available to them last week on Iran’s plans to strike Israel, two congressional officials told NBC News.

The officials said they expect briefings from administration and intelligence community officials next week when Congress returns, but those briefings have not yet been scheduled.

Lebanese airspace is closed

Lebanese airspace has been closed to all arriving, departing and crossing aircraft, Ali Hamiyah, the minister of public works in the caretaker government, said in a post on X, in light of the attacks launched from Iranian territory toward Israel.

The closure is temporary, the government said, and will start at 1 a.m. local time and will be in effect until 7 a.m. local time.

Air traffic at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport will be completely closed during the same time period, according to the statement. Updates will be made according to developments in the situation.

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemns Iranian attack toward Israel

"I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region," U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement.

"Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," Sunak added.

Sunak said the U.K. will continue to "stand up for Israel’s security" as well as that of the U.K.'s regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

"Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed," Sunak said.

Israeli airspace closing to all domestic and international flights

Israel's airspace will be closed to all domestic and international flights starting at 12:30 a.m. local time, a spokesperson with the Israel airport authority said.

The spokesperson said the flight schedule from Tel Aviv is likely to change due to the delay in the arrival of flights to Israel and that the Ramon Airport will be closed to traffic.

Travelers should check with airlines and on the Airports Authority website regarding new flight times, according to the spokesperson, who said they will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

El Al cancels 15 flights

El Al has canceled 15 flights, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed to NBC News. The canceled flights were mainly from Europe to Israel.

"In light of the closure of the airspace over Israel, some El Al flights are canceled," a statement from the airline said.

Updates will be posted on El Al's website and on social media. Customers whose flights were canceled will be notified when they can book an alternative when possible.

"El Al operates according to the instructions of the security forces and is in direct contact with them," the spokesperson said.

More than 100 UAVs launched toward Israel

More than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched toward Israel, the IDF confirmed to NBC News.

U.S. bracing for 'major attack' in Israel

Now that Iran has begun its retaliation against Israel, the U.S. is bracing for this to be “a major attack,” according to two senior U.S. officials.

The administration’s expectation is Iran will launch more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli government sites, not civilians or religious sites, one of the officials said.

The U.S. and Israel have been closely coordinating on a defense against the attack. “We’re ready. The Israelis are ready,” the official said.

Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla was in Israel for a meeting with senior Israeli officials for the past several days, and now defense officials say he is traveling in the region. During his visit, Kurilla consulted with the Israelis on a defense plan that includes U.S. help from the sea and air, as well as how Israel might respond to Iran’s attack, the senior U.S. officials said.

The administration is not expecting Iran to target any U.S. assets in the region, the officials said.

IDF says Iran has launched attacks on Israel

Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Hagari said in a televised statement in Israel today that "Iran launched unmanned aircrafts from its territory towards the territory of the State of Israel."

He reiterated that the threat will take "several hours" to reach Israel and that the IDF and the Israeli Air Force are implementing their plan that has been prepared for this moment.

He noted that if the threat is determined to arrive sooner than expected, updates will be provided.

In a separate statement, the IDF said Iran "launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel," adding that the IDF, including the IDF Aerial Defense Array, is on "high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation," as are IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels.

The IDF is also monitoring all targets, it said. Hagari said they are also monitoring the threat in the airspace.

Hagari urged Israelis to be "vigilant" and to follow directives in accordance with the plans.

"We know these threats and have dealt with them in the past. If an alert is activated in the area where you are, you must enter the protected area and stay here for at least 10 minutes," Hagari said to the Israeli people. "We will update you if you are required to stay in the protected area for a longer time."

He said Israelis will be given updates and be notified of any changes in the situation from the IDF and the Home Front Command.

"Continue to behave responsibly and calmly, as you have done so far, be careful and act according to the instructions," Hagari said.

He added: "The IDF is prepared and ready for all its formations in defense and attack. We prepared for a variety of scenarios in advance. We work in close cooperation with the U.S. and our partners in the region to act against the launches and intercept them."

"But remember," Hagari warned, "the protection is never hermetic. That is why it is very important to follow the instructions and obey the instructions of the Home Front Command, they save lives."

Biden to meet with principals of the NSC on Iran attacks

President Biden will meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the White House Situation Room, the White House said.

Earlier today, Biden was briefed on the matter by national security adviser Jake Sullivan and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, according to the White House.

They will later meet with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, CIA Director Bill Burns, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.

Vice President Kamala Harris and chief of staff Jeff Zients will also attend the meeting virtually by secure video, the White House said.

The U.S. military is ready to help defend Israel in attacks from Iran that are expected to last for hours

Iran has begun its retaliatory strikes against Israel, according to three U.S. officials.

The attacks are beginning with drones, the officials said, but they expect Iran to launch missiles as part of what is expected to be an hourslong operation that is now expected to last late into the night.

The U.S. is prepared to help defend Israel with ships, including the USS Carney, a destroyer that has been involved in shooting down Houthi projectiles but is now repositioned to help Israel, as well as other destroyers and assets, the officials said.

NSC confirms 'airborne attacks on Israel'

Allie Raffa

NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson confirmed in a statement that Iran has launched its “airborne attacks on Israel.”

President Joe Biden is being updated about the situation in the Middle East by his national security team and plans to meet with them this afternoon at the White House, the statement said.

Additionally, Biden's team is in "constant contact" with Israeli officials, partners and allies.

The attack on Israel is likely "to unfold over a number of hours," Watson said in the statement.

"President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad," the statement said. "The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

Iran supreme leader had warned that Israel would be 'punished'

Earlier this week, Iran’s supreme leader,  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , said at a prayer ceremony celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan that Israel “must be punished, and it will be punished.” His remarks were broadcast by Iranian state TV.

His comments came after Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on X that his country “will respond and attack in Iran” if it attacked from within its territory.

Iran launches drones toward Israel

Iran has launched drones toward Israel, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement, in an attack that Tehran had promised to carry out after its embassy in Damascus was hit last week.

U.S. restricts travel for Israel staff as Iran attack fears rise

Yuliya Talmazan

The United States has restricted travel for its staff in  Israel , as fears grow of an imminent retaliatory attack by  Iran .

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued  a security alert Thursday  restricting its employees and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice “out of an abundance of caution.”

Israel threatened to strike Iran directly if it launches attack from its territory

The Associated Press

Israel’s foreign minister threatened Wednesday that his country’s forces would strike  Iran  directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against  Israel .

“If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran,” Israel Katz said in a post on X in Farsi and Hebrew.